Here in Decatur, Illinois

Part of the charm of any urban area is its diverse way of life, where an assortment of people converges on one area, creating a wealth of cultural options and a variety of perspectives.

Built on the bluffs of the Sangamon River, and smack in the middle of the most fertile farmland in the world, Decatur’s central location is just part of the appeal.

You’ll find an affordable cost of living with tree-lined streets and historic architecture, bustling new subdivisions, and urban lofts. City Centre, Decatur’s premier downtown destination, offers an appealing blend of eclectic boutiques located in restored historic areas ideal for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Decatur’s creative talents are enthusiastically embraced in a variety of ways. The Madden Arts Center hosts traveling exhibits, as well as, the work of local artists, and promotes the concept of “Arts for All” through special events like the annual Arts in Central Park.

Theater students perform on the stage of Kirkland Fine Arts Center on the Millikin University campus, and Decatur’s community thespians find welcoming audiences at venues throughout the city. Add the cherished annual Vespers holiday concert, and you’ll discover what residents have known for years…cultural arts are alive in Decatur.

Sports and recreation are a year-round priority for residents with over 5200 acres of park and conservation areas that provide the chance to get outdoors. During the summer, commune with nature via hiking and bike trails, bird-watching, wildlife gardens, and eco-camps. New sports fields provide the arena for soccer, baseball and softball teams, and Decatur’s three award-winning public golf courses are designed for any skill level. During the winter, bike trails are transformed for cross-country skiing and green spaces become perfect sledding hills.

With over 30 miles of scenic shoreline and convenient public access points, Lake Decaturis not only a year-round lure for fishing, boating, sailing and water sports, but an abundant source of water for the city. Host to the annual Decatur Lakeside Triathlon and Autumn Shoreline Classic, the lake is the backdrop for thousands of competitors. The 4th of July celebration and Labor Day Pops Concert are seasonal favorites, too.

Currently undergoing extensive lakefront development, the City of Decatur and Decatur Park District are teaming up with residents to create an improved recreation and entertainment destination. Overlook Adventure Park is home to the mini-golf complex, disc golf course and hiking trails, with the climbing ropes course and batting cages scheduled to open in summer 2017. A new state of the art outdoor amphitheater will be ready for audiences in 2018.

Decatur residents obviously like to play, but we work hard, too.

Home to the North American headquarters of ADM, Tate & Lyle and the Midwest Inland Port, Decatur is recognized around the world as the center of agricultural development and food processing technology. Our local business and industry continually exercise the true Midwestern value of blending tradition with innovation to create global solutions that feed and fuel the world.